Gayle

This is a picture that was printed in the paper last week. It just about made me cry. Funeral today. My cousin, Zella, and I are hitting Trax. I am not a funeral person. I have to physically and mentally just push myself to go. But I have learned from prior experience that it's not about me. I know I have shared this before but it is a little poem I memorized when I was closer to 1 than 100.... by Martin Buxbaum

Loneliness

Across a thousand barren canyons

to a heart that's like a stone

an echo keeps repeating

in a low and mournful tone.

Loneliness is but a word,

tis' but a word that you have heard

until you are alone.

A Blank Slate

Today is a blank slate. Our art instructor called in sick last night so class today was cancelled. Our beautiful weather that has been pre-spring has turned and we awoke to a skiff of snow. It really isn't doing much...just enough to let me realize that although I am Easter-excited, Mother Nature is in charge, not Mother Williams! Regardless, I have now filled 800 eggs! Since art has cancelled, I'm going to sit this morning and watch a movie and fill more eggs. I do have a picture I need to sketch and it is really calling to me as well so we will see. Although I emailed everyone last night, I've already had two people show up for class so I guess we should have just painted on our own.

I haven't gotten to talk to Brandi this morning but Corby Campbell, her brother-in-law, and husband of Suzanne, who sometime posts here, returned from Afghanistan this morning from his second tour of duty (he's in the Utah National Guard.) Corby is really a seminary teacher/principal, area supervisor (whatever that is called...he's over a district, I believe) and has been gone a year. All the family were going to be at the airport wearing lots of patriotic colors to cheer and cry. We are all so grateful that he's home safe. What a sacrifice our service people and families go through!

Yesterday my VTer's came....I adore Berty and Lynda. We've made plans to go in two weeks to Dear Lizzie's in Highland and another fun shop in American Fork called Simple Pleasures, which is owned by the son of another gal in the Ward. Lunch will be included. I totally believe that Visiting Teaching isn't just a once a month visit. Friendship is essential and that requires so much more than a phone call or plate of cookies. I'm so blessed that my VTer's get that.

Yesterday, within two hours- I learned of two deaths connected with people I love. One was a young man in his twenties....the boyfriend of one of my closest friends...who committed suicide. It is so heart wrenching....that someone could feel that desperate and then break so many other hearts as well. Then David came home with an obituary concerning one of his missionary companions/former roommates. When we were newly weds, we spent time together as young couples.....but they have lived in Oregon for years now. Heartbreaking again. To lose your husband in your 50's! I will attend LHM's funeral tomorrow and hopefully try to attend our former friend's graveside as well.

I do not want the peace that passeth understanding. I want the understanding which bringeth peace. Helen Keller

and finally, since my Easter eggs, movie and painting are waiting patiently for me, I'll leave you something to make you smile. Okay, I can't MAKE you smile...I INVITE you to smile.

Sandy began a job as an elementary school counselor and she was eager to help. One day during recess she noticed a girl standing by herself on one side of a playing field while the rest of the kids enjoyed a game of soccer at the other. Sandy approached and asked if she was all right. The girl said she was. A little while later, however, Sandy noticed the girl was in the same spot, still by herself. Approaching again, Sandy offered, "Would you like me to be your friend?" The girl hesitated, then said, "Okay," looking at the woman suspiciously. Feeling she was making progress, Sandy then asked, "Why are you standing here all alone?" "Because," the little girl said with great exasperation, "I'm the goalie!" ...

Randon-Ness

One of my cousin’s in Idaho (Rupert) has a daughter, Trista, that is getting married in a few weeks. I told Trista that I would do candy jars for her and favored waters for the reception. Tonight Trista (who is living in Provo) and fiancee, Toby, are coming for a sampling. These are starving students so dinner will be in order! Yesterday the UPS man knocked on the door with a box of candy I had ordered online and I said, "Oh good! The candy for the wedding!" I thought he was going to faint! "I thought the wedding was OVER!" It was funny. During and after Tanner’s wedding, I think he was here everyday for a month!

Last night another niece, Mallory (from Blackfoot, Idaho) and friend, Taylor (like another niece since she has come so often to stay with us) got here...to spend the night before their trip to Hawaii today. They are Jr.'s in high school...and are flying on a different plane than the rest of the family. They were scared to death and also so excited! Maybe you remember last year when Mallory and family were going to Hawaii...and through a couple of happenstances, they missed their flight. The next flight going out would have cost them almost a thousand dollars more. It was terrible. They had saved and saved for this trip...and it flushed down the toilet. Well, THIS time they are getting to the airport (the rest of the family just met them at the airport this morning) HOURS before they needed to be! This is a first for all of them (Hawaii) and I know they will have a great time!

I’m been a cooking fool all week. I have been doing freezer meals to share with kids and others. I have made-4 dishes of lasagnas, 5 dishes- pulled pork burritos, 4-dishes- white chicken enchiladas, and caramelized onions for everything. I love caramelized onions (like you get at Bajios.) I slice up good onions (thanks Peggy! Straight from the ground and sweet as can be!) and cook them in butter until starting to caramelize (which is releasing the onion's natural sugars). For homemade French onion soup, I just add broth and a few spices....for my Mexican dishes I add about ½ cup honey to the caramelized onions to sweeten them even a titch more (ala Bajios.)

Yesterday I missed Michael Wilcox’s class (where he was taping a new talk on tape for Deseret Book) to take my MIL to the podiatrist. We got there (on the other side of the valley) to find the office closed. The appointment is for tomorrow. Can I just say, I’m losing my mind. The lucky thing is that I had things to return to Brandi....and their home was close by so that was done. As I was pulling in to their neighborhood, I saw a huge moving truck in front of one of the houses. I got a lump in my throat. After dropping off at Brandi’s, I had to stop and run in to Sandi’s and give her a hug and have a little cry and tell her good-bye. Brandi has loved this wonderful family and therefore I’ve come to love them too. They will be missed so much in their neighborhood. Now they will take their "goodness" somewhere else to share.

After those two depressing things, I had to come home and cheer myself up again. I made my MIL help. She doesn’t know what to make of me.....but we got 400 Easter eggs filled! I told her we just have to do that 6 more times in the next 6 weeks to be ready! Can’t wait! Can’t wait! And I haven't worried a bit about having all this candy in the house and cooking and cooking because Ferrell sent me this valuable information recently. I have been frustrated about gaining weight...but now I realize that I was just weighing wrong! Who knew?


Thanks, Ferrill!

decreased activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus

Yesterday was such a pleasant and busy day. I loved visiting with Monique and getting to know her. She is from New Hampshire and it was fun to visualize where she was from SINCE I FINALLY GOT TO VISIT THERE THIS PAST YEAR! Lunch was good, as always, with Gayle H., Brenda and Elsa. Afterwards, Brenda, Elsa and I went to "Confessions of a Shopaholic." We've never done movies before together and this was a fun girl's outing.

So, Shopaholic is on my mind. There is one line that says, "I shop because it is so beautiful and it makes me feel better. And then I buy it....and I don't." I've been thinking about what "items" I am shopaholic about. Before I got married, while working in Salt Lake, I became obsessed with pineapple for some reason. Pineapple to me was a luxury. I was putting pineapple into everything I cooked....on top of hamburgers, in every dish. My roomies mocked me. I believe pineapple became the recipient of my fear of marriage. I would (we would) be so poor I would never be able to buy pineapple again. So I hoarded. Every time I went to the store, I would buy another can of pineapple and put it under my bed. When I got married, that was about the only food in our cupboards. I look back and just shake my head. What was THAT all about?

I come by "Shopaholic" honestly. Not mentioning any names here.....so I will call her "amomymous" (since that is how she signed her name once on my birthday treasure hunt).....taught me to hoard (in a nice way) several things. I won't mention all (not enough minutes in the day and besides, I want her to still talk to me later) but cookbooks come to mind. My "amomymous" has easily two hundred or more. Honestly. We moved 13 LARGE boxes of cookbooks a few years ago. Thirteen LARGE and heavy boxes of cookbooks. But I get cookbooks. Cookbooks are our friends. We read them like novels. We love the pictures. I heart cookbooks and got this love from my amomymous. I don't have a hundred....but I have a lot.

Some of my obsessions I didn't inherit. Brandi has called me out on several occasions about my "paper plate and napkin" fetish. I am absolutely mesmerized by beautiful paper plates and napkins. I have shelves and shelves and then boxes and drawers of paper plates and napkins...fit for any holiday or event. A party ready to happen. I love real dishes too but they are harder to store. And they seem to scream to me "Enough!" Paper goods don't scream. They say "party." I guess I'm thinking, "If I buy it, they will come!"

I am also a laminator. That doesn't sound exactly like hoarding but I'm obsessed with laminating. My favorite product is C-line individual laminating sheets. I have always purchased them at Xpedex but the last time I went (maybe 3 months ago)...the price had gone up from $15 to $25 for a box of 50. Thankfully I found them online (Amazon) for $13 a box. I have gone through the two boxes from Xpedex...and the 3 boxes from Amazon ALREADY! Is that sick? I laminate everything for my Sunbeam class. Front and back. Everything. And because I'm an addict, I'm making home evening kits for all the kids. I really want them to have home evening...and I realize I have to time to help make that happen...but a little part of me wonders is it is really about "lamination." Hopeless in the name of service!

During the movie, when the main character is in "rehab", she has to go past every store window and do self talk. I soooo know what she is doing. Have you noticed the grocery stores have Easter things out already? Do you know EVERY time I walk by an Easter display, I have to self-talk-scream "You are NOT ALLOWED to purchase any plastic Easter eggs this year!!!" But I could get TWO dozen for ONLY $1.00!!!! I want them. I want them! Costco has 100 kind-of-cute decorated eggs in a pack, FILLED....100 for $11.00 or $14!!!! They were SCREAMING at me! But my inner discipline (ha!) would say quietly but firmly, "Marilyn, you have over 2,000 plastic eggs downstairs in 3 HUGE containers! You do not use all the eggs you currently have...and remember, cute soccer and basketball eggs do not close very well...and if you want cute polka dots on your eggs, you could use your paints THAT YOU ALSO HOARD AS WELL and paint them yourself!" Yep, that is what the inner self says. Many times a day. Okay, constantly. I'm big on self-talk.

So, yesterday I had to be content to buy some Easter candy. Just three bags full. Candy I don't like so I won't eat them....so at LEAST I can start dreaming of my annual-over-the-top-ala-Steel Magnolias-Easter-egg-hunt. 52 days away!!!!!!!! I'm already hyperventilating. I can't stop myself. Breath deep, Marilyn, breath deep!


I have actually read articles about hoarding. This is one point that jumped out to me-

Behavioral peculiarities among hoarders come as no surprise to researchers. For example, "They have rambling or overinclusive speech, where you ask them a question and they tell you a whole story with every possible detail before they get to the answer," says Sanjaya Saxena, a professor at UCLA's School of Medicine. But the true hallmark: "They apply emotions to a range of things that others would consider worthless," says Frost. Where most people see an empty roll of toilet paper, they see art supplies.
Hmmmm....sound like anyone you know...... (and really, would you pay attention to any Dr. named Sanjaya? I wonder if he sings....)Brain scans show a difference in brain abnormalities between people with non-hoarding OCD and hoarding OCD, says Saxena of UCLA, who is studying the neurobiology of hoarding. Whereas non-hoarders show elevated brain activity in certain areas, hoarders show decreased activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus,which deals with focus, attention and decision-making.
Now THAT explains a lot!
So, the question is....what do you have "decreased activity in the anterior cingulate gyrus" about? What do you stock up "in case of?" When can't you stop yourself? And please, someone share something as meaningless as pineapple and plastic Easter eggs so I can get a little self-esteem back!

"Well these cashmere gloves, i need...as it is winter and i have...hands!" from Confessions of a Shopaholic

Feasting Again!

This morning, Sophia and I were talking about our day. I said, "And I'm going out to lunch AGAIN!" It is almost embarrassing...my social life. Oh well. It is what I do! Yesterday I was also to do a lot of service. It was just what I needed to get out of my funk. "When you lose yourself, you find yourself."

Where Are You Going To Lunch Today? Today is our Visiting Teaching lunch. Brenda is in charge this month and chose Raphael’s, a Mexican restaurant that’s been around since the 70's. She’ll give the lesson as well. Gayle and I actually VT a new gal- Monique Tibb- who moved into our Ward about a year ago. We will go to her this morning. I’m anxious to get to know her better. After lunch, Elsa and I are going to see "Shopoholic." I’m excited because I’ve heard that it’s a good chic flick and CLEAN! Miracles!!!
Where Did You Go to Lunch Yesterday? Yesterday, cousin Zella and I and Patty L., another friend and former neighbor, went out for our biannual birthday celebrations. I love these two women and am especially happy for the spiritual changes that Patty has gone through in the last year. She just radiates and I admire her so much. We all exchanged birthday gifts....Patty gave us this beautiful planter....each year she always gives us our first Primroses...and the planter is a huge pair of hands that encompass the flowers. We ALL bloom more beautifully when we are in HIS hands!


Last night Marci and the kids showed up at our door unannounced. (Not like the kids need to announce.) She exclaimed, "We just have to come and see Great Grandma today!" I didn’t get it....then Marci said that earlier in the day, she had been reading a family history that my FIL had written...and it talked about their marriage. Feb. 23! Marci said she got goosebumps when she realized that it was their anniversary. I had totally forgotten! They would have been married 65 years! I’m so thankful for a sweet DIL....that I believe was prompted to remember...so she could come and nurture this sweet MIL of mine. It would be the first anniversary alone. It was great because David had stayed uptown for a Jazz game so I made a quick dinner for everyone and got to enjoy the kiddos. What a great family!

The lesson this month of Vt’ing is on the divine role of women. I have lots of thoughts churning in my mind to discuss but of course, I reflect on the wonderful women in my life. I love my daughter and daughters-in-law. I feel blessed to be their mother. That relationship has always been natural for me since I adore my own mother and MIL. I think of my relationship with friends- Patty, in particular today. We really have been through a million things together...and it is wonderful to finally be on the other side of the bank. On the card she gave me, it said..."Friendship is about laughing at the same things. It’s about really being understood. It’s about never running out of things to talk about. It’s about being accepted unconditionally." All those things are powerful things that we say and hear, but how important is that we do them. I think THAT is the real power and divine role of women. We know how to love. We know how to nurture. If not us, then who?

Bad Day

So, yesterday I was having a bad day. I had worked so hard all week long for my "littles" lesson in Sunbeams...and they were off the walls. Really, I just wanted to come home and shoot myself. And during the day, I couldn't lift myself out of the funk. The finale is that my dad is having some health concerns right now. I ADORE him and it makes me so sad. David didn't give me any sympathy during the day (until I got to the dad part) and, of course, that made it worse. He kept saying, "Well, if THIS is the worst day you've had (I didn't say it was the WORST day...just a bad day) then you don't have problems at all!" Grrrrrrr. Don't you just HATE to have things pointed out to you? And of course he was being all chipper when he was provoking me. Later I found this joke-

Mary (Marilyn) was having a tough day and had stretched herself out on the couch to do a bit of what she thought to be well-deserved complaining and self- pitying.She moaned to her mom and brother, "Nobody loves me ... the whole world hates me!"Her brother, busily occupied playing a game, hardly looked up at her and passed on this encouraging word: "That's not true, Mary. Some people don't even know you."

One

So, I was talking to Brandi tonight on the phone...and she told me I needed to do this meme that was on Musings blog. The object is to see how fast you can do it and only use one word answers. I actually have attempted this before....Brandi didn’t think I could actually DO IT! She thinks she KNOWS HER MOTHER! That sounded like a challenge to me!

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse

2. Your significant other? Gone

3. Your hair? Spikie

4. Your mother? Marvelous

5. Your father? Delightful

6. Your favorite thing? Spirit

7. Your dream last night? Weird

8. Your favorite drink? Lemonade

9. Your dream/goal? Happiness

10. The room you're in? Kitchen

11. Your hobby? Painting

12. Your fear? Health

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home

14. Where were you last night? Winger’s

15. What you're not? altogether

16. Muffins? Belly

17. Kids? Lots

18. Where you grew up? Washington

19. The last thing you did? Phone

20. What are you wearing? Skirt

21. Your TV? sputtering

22. Your pets? Deer

23. Your computer? Virus?

24. Your life? Good

25. Your mood? Unsettled

26. Missing someone? Lots

27. Your car? Unwashed

28. Something you're not wearing? secret

29. Favorite store? Jolley’s

30. Your summer? Busy

31. Like someone? Naturally

32. Your favorite color? Yellow

33. When is the last time you laughed? GNO

34. Last time you cried? Lately

35. One of your wish list items? Peace


Ha, Brandi! This was no sweat! Okay, I'm hyperventilating a little. A lot. Okay, I gagged on a few. Choked on my word. But, whew! I did it!

Musing also had another meme- luckily you can actually TALK answering this one. I changed a few that talked about tagging. I would love to read anyone's answers!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
In a round about way, my mother. Her name is Mary, although she went by her middle name Maxine. Her mother's name was Mary although she went by her middle name Nancy. Marilyn was a nice variation. My middle name is Kay...after my dad's initial.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? for my friend who lost her husband...then at the end of a book....then about a couple of other things.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? When I print with a fine point Sharpie. I start out okay but I always get going a hundred miles an hour...like I talk...and chaos usually splatters across the page.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? roasted turkey

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? 5 of the most wonderful people on the planet. And I'm sooo not prejudice!

IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Of course! We would have so much fun together!!! I bet I would go out to lunch with myself. Wait? I already go out to lunch with myself! We have so much fun together.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? I don't use dry sarcasm, just joking sarcasm. I'm kind of a buffoon.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes. Do I get a badge?

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Zip Line, yes. Parasailing, absolutely. But Bungee Jump sounds like a snapping headache.

10. NAKED? No, I'm wearing clothes, thank you very much.

11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Life or Honey Nut Cheerios

12. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I try not to but usually don't succeed.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Milk Chocolate.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Smile

15. RED OR PINK? Pink. Or Red. Or Yellow.

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? we don't have enough time.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My Grandma Darley

18. skipped

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? No pants or shoes. I'm wearing a black skirt and black tights.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? The fire burning in the fireplace next to me.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? I have no desire, whatsoever to be a crayon. Who thinks up these questions? Okay, okay. A gold/yellow.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? woods after rain. Bread. Baby lotion. Cherry Vanilla.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?My daughter, Brandi.

25. WHAT CAN YOU DO THAT YOUR FRIEND CAN'T DO? hula hoop. I'm a really good hula hooper.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? My nephew, Casey, Wii bowling

27. HAIR COLOR?multi-blonde/brown

28. EYE COLOR? blue

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Nope. I did before I had Lasik surgery.

30. FAVORITE FOOD? American

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I'm not a scary movie person at all. I am a sappy romantic comedy person. Sigh.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? I can't remember. Australia? Ghosttown?

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? black and white sweater with funky mismatched jeweled buttons

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? summer

35. HUGS OR KISSES? both!

37. WHAT IS A HABIT YOU'VE DEVELOPED? making my bed usually as soon as I get out of it

38. WHAT IS A HABIT THAT YOU WISH YOU WOULD DEVELOP? putting things away asap

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? The Shack. I'm not sure I'm loving this, J.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? no mousepad.

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? some news

42. FAVORITE SOUND(S) laughter. Music.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Totally Beatles. I can only think of a few Stones songs I liked (I thought they were creepy. They WERE/ARE creepy)...Paint It Black was "our song"...a high school boyfriend and mine. What a weird song to be "our song!" 

44. WHAT'S THE FARTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Germany/France/ Switzerland

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I am a good creative idea person.

46 WHERE WERE U BORN? Idaho

47. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU LIKED MORE? exercise

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER? Blind date/BYU

And God Created Light and Darkness

I just finished reading the book "Home" by Marilynn Robinson. It is a companion book to "Gilead" which I have mentioned that I loved. I didn’t love "Home" so much. If you thought "Gilead" was slow, then "Home" was at a dead standstill. However, I persevered because I was invested in the characters. Two small hometown preachers in the forties in a Midwestern town. Two different congregations. I learned to love these gentle men. I thought of Mr. Rogers. You know how I love him. And his friendship with Henry Nouwen, a well-known Dutch priest and Christian writer- some of which is recorded in a little book I have called "I’m Proud of You." Nouwen once wrote- " The authentic spiritual life finds its basis in the human condition, which all people–whether they are Christian or not–have in common. A minister’s service will not be perceived as authentic unless is comes from a heart wounded by the suffering about which he speaks. The great illusion of leadership is to think that others can be led out of the desert by someone who has never been there." Once, when David was bishop, one of our children was going through a very downward spiral. One person in the Ward...came to me and in conversation asked, "So is it kind of embarrassing when your child is going through something like this and your husband is the bishop?" Pause.
I hadn't read this quote before that but my reply was the same. How can we succor others when our experience and our hearts are limited?

Just before Nouwen’s death, he wrote a letter to Mr. Rogers that, in part, said:

"Within a few years I will no longer be on this earth. The thought of this does not frighten me but fills me with a quiet peace. I am a small part of life, a human being in the midst of thousands of other human beings. It is good to be young, to grow old and to die. It is good to live with others, and to die with others...What counts are not the special and unique accomplishments in life that make me different from others, but the basic experiences of sadness and joy, pain and healing, which make me part of humanity. The time indeed is growing short for me, but the knowledge sets me free to prevent mourning from depressing me and joy from exciting me. Mourning and joy can now both deepen and quiet my desire for the day when I realize that the many kisses and embraces I received today were simply incarnations of the eternal embrace of the Lord himself."
Today, for my littles, I have been preparing a creation lesson on Light and Darkness. I have found little neon stars to put around the room. I’m taking black plastic to cover the windows and make it dark. We will lay on rugs with flashlights and talk about God’s creations. I have used a white crayon to makes stars on white paper. The littles will watercolor their papers dark....and then the stars will appear. You can't see them without the dark. We will talk about the things we love about the light....all the things that we can do. Then we will talk about the night. Night can be kind of scary.....but God gave us the stars at night so we would not lose our direction. Today with life and death, joy and pain all around me....I’m thankful for the stars and heaven and experience that gives light to darkness. I'm thankful for family...that gives purpose to all of this. Light and Darkness. The lesson states God gave them to us because of His love. It is a great but sometimes hard lesson to learn.

In Memory- Larry H. Miller

There are many things that can be written of this good man. He never graduated from college, married his high school sweetheart, started his career working as a parts boy...and ended up owning, most recently, over 80 different businesses...including the Utah Jazz, Utah's professional basketball team, the Utah Bees (a professional baseball team), a world-class raceway, restaurants, theaters and on and on and on. He owned over 40 car dealerships. The Millers provided over 300 college scholarships each year, year after year. Every where you go in this state, you see evidence of their philanthropy. Things I had no idea of. Of all the names that he can be called, there is actually only one that matters to me. He was the husband of my dear friend, Gayle. I have come to love Gayle through our Bucket Group. It has been a safe haven for her and support. I know through this difficult time, she has felt our love and concern for her and her family. All last night we watched news conferences and the tributes paid to this outstanding man. And I watched Gayle handle her grief publicly while knowing what a private, unpretentious woman she is. My heart is full today for my dear friend.

There are many links talking about Larry's death. Here is just one.

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705286422,00.html

"Go about doing good until there is too much good in the world." Larry H. Miller

Just To Make You Laugh

A lady came to the hospital to visit a friend. She had not been in a hospital for several years and felt very ignorant about all the new technology. A technician followed her onto the elevator, wheeling a large, intimidating looking machine with tubes and wires and dials. "Boy, would I hate to be hooked up to that thing," she said."So would I," replied the technician. "It's a floor-cleaning machine."

Service and Fun

Yesterday our new RS focus group, Serve Utah, had it's first project....working at the Utah Food Bank. Although I have participated in many drives, I have never been to the actual facility before. I was impressed and depressed. First of all, we sorted tons of food. This man and I pulled out all the food that had just been dumped into giant boxes and put all the food on a long table....where all the others in our group sorted goods (quickly) into boxes labeled canned vegetables, fruits, soups, complete meals (like spaghetti0's, chili, etc.) The individual boxes were weighed and moved. My heart was full as I realized all the many people who continually donate food to this program. But I was also depressed when I saw lots of wasted or damaged goods. I have heard time and time again that what they need is canned goods...and not to donate things in glass. Everything that was boxed....like cereal, Top Ramen, round boxes of oatmeal...get smashed in the moving. Much had to be thrown away. Glass jars would break and get gooey stuff all over everything else in the box. I saw tons and tons of food that were way past expiration dates. After we spent several hours boxing food, we then went to pick up items for delivery. Since I was coming home alone, I delivered at two homes on the way. Again, the meager provisions were humbling. One gallon of milk, 1 brick of cheese, 1 bag of day old (or older) frozen bread, 1 leftover meat item (like from grocery stores), 1 leftover frozen bakery item, 1 box (not a large box) of canned goods and 1 container of laundry soap. One delivery of this per month.

It made me grateful for the Church's Welfare system. Where volunteers grow gardens, go to the cannery and can everything from beef and chicken to jam and peas. Those who need help go to a distribution center set up like a grocery store, again manned by volunteers and receive what they need. And they are expected to work as they are able to, to put volunteer hours back into the system.

I felt humbled going to the homes of those I was delivering to. Even in our poorest "student" days, I have never lived in such humble, downtrodden areas. I was glad to be able to help. It certainly makes me reflective on our abundance of blessings and desires to help others. I will be more conscientious when making donations in the future. I will try harder to be a better steward of the resources we have now.

There are people in the world so hungry, that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Last night, my newest DIL, Brooke and BFF Cathy and her DIL, Lori went out to dinner (along with Annee, my newest granddaughter) and then to our Relief Society fun activity where we beaded watch bands (like Bumbles.) They turned out so cute and were easy and fun to make! David has been out of town again (third week in a row) so it was nice to have something to keep me busy and I loved being with everyone.

This afternoon Cathy and I went to the temple (Jordan River), then went out to Daybreak to see the fun things her daughter, Erica, has done to their new home. Fun stuff! Great day with my friend. Tonight I am watching Annee so Brooke and Tanner could go out for a belated Valentine's dinner. They live in an apartment in our Ward...and tonight, Annee's new Achievement Day leader, Jonna Stanworth and the other little girls Annee's age "hearted" her at their apartment. Annee brought all the dozens of hearts that the little girls had made and stuck all over her windows and door of the apartment. What a wonderful welcome for her. And a plate of cookies as well. Anne was so excited! I'm so glad.

"Our life of poverty is as necessary as the work itself. Only in heaven will we see how much we owe to the poor for helping us to love God better because of them." Mother Teresa

Update

Monday David and I had a wonderful opportunity to serve at the Draper Temple Open House again, in one of the sealing rooms. I have already bonded so much with this wonderful place.

Yesterday I watched Noah and Elijah so Marci could take Josh and Heidi through the temple. Ryan is still in Guatemala with business...then next week with the Book of Mormon Archaeological Foundation. Loved being with these two little boys that I'm not around as much.

Today I am going to the Utah Food Bank to help sort food. Our Utah Field Trips group has ended and now we are doing "Serve Utah" which I think is a great idea. I'm looking forward to the many things we will do. I will have to come home a little early today to attend religion class. Tonight Brooke and I will be making funky beaded watches with another focus group. I got one for each of the girls for Valentine's day. It will be a busy day.

I don't know if I shared this before or not. Last time, when David and worked in the temple, a lovely family came in. The husband was probably not of our faith and he listened with interest while we shared information and thoughts about the temple. When I spoke, I mentioned that because I love poetry, the symbolism that I find in the scriptures and the temple really speaks to me. I pointed out the beautiful chandeliers throughout the temple and suggested that when we see them we are reminded that scripture tells us that Christ is the light of this world. Likewise, the mirrors, placed in an exact position in the room creates an "eternal" reflection...symbolizing the eternal nature of man...and family. After the presentation, the man came up to me and thanked me for our thoughts and then very nicely asked, "May I please ask if there is perhaps some symbolism or reason to why you are not wearing wedding rings?" I nodded and whispered, "Yes, there is. I have gained too much weight!"

Funny! David and I have laughed and laughed.

"Ultimately, the only power to which man should aspire is that which he exercises over himself."-Elie Wiesel 

Be alert to give service. What counts a great deal in life is what we do for others.

Couples Meme

How long have you been together? forever and ever!
How long did you date? A year and a half
Who eats more? Probably me of real food. David eats more "grab a bite of junk food" at the office.
Who said "I love you" first? I'm sure he did but I can't remember. You'd think "I" would remember that!
Who is taller? He is by 6 inches or more.
Who sings better? Neither one of us are good singers. I used to be a decent singer but not anymore. I can read music really well. I'm a good backup alto singer.
Who is smarter? Hoot! Who could even COMPETE with his brain? He has this amazing photogentic memory about work stuff. Because he represents a big hospital here, and does malpractice defense, his medical working knowledge continually expands and he never forgets ANYTHING! He really is brilliant...and I’m not just saying that. I’m told that often. But on regular stuff? Like emotional memory stuff or how to play a game or dates of things (my birthday), he’s not a genius. On the rest, he is. And me? Not so smart about a lot of things but DANG I’m creative! 
Who does the laundry? That would be me. I’m a terrible laundress. I won’t tell you about how a whole load of whites turned dingy gray yesterday.....
Who pays the bills? That would be me. Scary thought.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? That would be him.
Who mows the lawn? That would be a lawn crew.
Who cooks dinner? Me. Me. Me. David can make unbaked cookies (though he hasn’t made them for a decade) and heat up packets of oatmeal in the microwave but not too much more.
Who drives? He does but I’m questioning why? One of those dominant male things, I’m sure. I actually don’t like to drive but his driving makes me a little nutso. And he doesn’t like it when I’m gasping and making scared noises. And then there is the car sick business. I can't even think about reading in the car or I'm a sick puppy. So I usually just go to sleep asap!
Who is more stubborn? He is VERY stubborn about some things. But we don’t really have issues so stubborn isn’t a problem.
When was your first kiss? Second date. I know. I was a floozy. And he kissed me goodnight in the car...then walked me to my apartment door and practically shook my hand goodnight. I remember thinking, "What’s up with that?!!!"
Who proposed? He did. But he wouldn’t propose until I wrote my missionary a "Dear John!" I was such a ditz! That was a VERY painful time.

Who is more sensitive? Me. How come men have the ability to compartmentalize emotional issues or never really get into them? He would disagree and say he is very sensitive. I would roll my eyes over that one! (he's good and kind and yes, sometimes sensitive.) (I had to add that because I didn't want to sound unsensitive...)
Who wears the pants? Well, he wear Wranglers (ugh! I loved him in Levis) and I wear whatever I can zip up for the day! It depends on the issue. With family stuff, I usually plan the event, do the work, cook the food...then pass the microphone to him. Major decisions are made together. We would never tell each other what the other could or could not do. No one rules on a throne around here. We’re a couple not a monarchy.

The goal in marriage is not to think alike, but to think together. Robert C. Dodds

A Little Bit about Eve

Suzanne (my daughter's wonderful SIL) and Brandi both sent me the link below....a girl from Blackfoot, Idaho being interviewed at Harvard sharing her religious beliefs. It really is wonderful....it takes about 20 minutes but is totally worth your time to watch.

http://hillel.harvard.edu/media/videos/550

One comment that she made was about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (in response to the moderator's question about a woman's role in the church.) I have been thinking about the G of E. scenario ever since we discussed it in M. Wilcox's class.

And whoever is reading this, if you aren't LDS, this probably won't make any sense to you at all. It has just been in my thoughts.

Whenever I have thought of Satan's role in the Garden of Eden, I've always kind of thought that he was necessary to the plan. Which made him kind of get a bum rap....that he was "pre-destined" to be the bad guy. Not that I like him but really, what choice did he have? M. Wilcox suggested that God's plan didn't need Satan at all....that we really give him too much credit. He said that whenever you have agency and law, you will have opposition. Naturally. We don't need Satan there tempting us. He also suggested that God didn't necessarily give Eve two opposing commandments....like we always think. What God said to Adam and Eve was not to partake of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil at that time (nevertheless, it was their choice (agency)...and then he said that they would "go and come back again for further instruction." In the meantime, Satan shows up .... and tempts A & E with the fruit. M. Wilcox suggested that partaking of the Tree of K of G & E wasn't Satan's main goal...the main goal was for them to partake of that tree, THEN the Tree of Life...because then they would live forever in their sins, and the atonement would be twarted. But God and Christ came back for further instruction before that happened. Down the road, after "further instruction" would have been the time for Adam and Eve to partake of the fruit. They were just told to not partake of it then. Doesn't that make perfect sense? Ah....I feel much better about that now, don't you? Just ponderings....

Two quotes from Mark Twain-

Wheresoever she was, there was Eden.- "Adam's Diary"

After all these years, I see that I was mistaken about Eve in the beginning; it is better to live outside the Garden with her than inside it without her....I should be sorry to have that voice fall silent and pass out of my life.- "Adam's Diary"

Valentine Zombie

Have I mentioned before that I love Valentine's Day? We had invited the kids to meet at IHOP by Brandi's for Valentine's Breakfast. Brandi's husband was taking a test and couldn't come. Our Ryan is in Guatemala for three weeks on business but Marci and the kids were coming...until the baby got sick. Travis is out of town on business and Tenille was headed to IHOP, when she looked down at a birthday invitation for Boston..thinking it was at 11:00 but realized it was at 10:00, so they couldn't go. We picked up Rylee and took her with us. Brooke had already planned something special for Tanner and Annee so they couldn't come.

Whew! It is soooo hard being a party planner! But Brandi and kids and David and I and Rylee had a nice breakfast, then we headed over to Parker's last basketball game.

Last night Kirk and Cathy and David and I went up Big Cottonwood Canyon to our favorite restaurant, Silver Fork Lodge, for dinner...fabulous from the first bite to the last. It is a cosy place with a fire roaring in the fireplace. We always have so much fun with our friends...and I certainly "Heart" my Valentine.

Here are some Valentine's that I received! What a great day!

To our (M & M-Marvelous and Mighty) Grandparents-
We love you because you have never-ending (Kissables)
We always have (Mounds) of fun playing Wii or roping together

You always have (Good and Plenty) chocolate milk on hand

You are never in a time (Crunch) with us

We always en(Joy) our treasure hunts and shopping (Spree)s

and when we just (Rollo) to your house.

This tornado doesn't always sound like a (Symphony)

But we love you to (Pieces)

Signed, Your Little (Runts) Rylee, Boston and Nash

"To love another person is to see the face of God."
-Les Miserables

A Valentine's Treat

Here's a little post going around...from my friend, Sophia and also Ann and my cousin, Deanna, and her daughter, Holly! Good things are going around! Come and join in!

So, here's the deal: Something just for you especially from me! The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you.
1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It'll be done this year. (might be a little while)
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or an article on properly cleaning your face before a masque. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you,that's for sure!
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. (I would have to add that I reserve the right to take six extra months in getting to the post office to get it mailed. But, you will get it eventually.)
The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer the same prize to the first 5 people who post on your blog. The first 5 people to repost and leave a comment telling me they did win an AWESOME homemade gift by yours truly!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day to You!!!
Well, if you think this one is goofy, how about my Valentine to my BFF. Cathy's signature saying is "I remember just what I was wearing." Of course, knowing me, you could guess what MY signature saying is.....


Years ago, Tom and Penny, David and I went on an exciting adventure to Mexico. At the ruins in Tulum, David took a picture of Penny and I sticking our heads into the ferocious jaws of two lions guarding a pyramid. It was the metaphor for this Valentine....we really HAVE been through a lot together!

Hope your Valentine's Day is full of love and adventure. And if not that, then at LEAST have a heart-shaped pancake! Hugs and Kisses!

In case you're interested-

S.O.S- David has been out of town and tonight, on his return, informs me that the Celine Dion concert he purchased tickets for (and the concert then was postponed to a Sunday, Feb. 22)...and he hasn't sold the tickets (and didn't make the deadline for turning them back in.)

He has advertised on KSL...not one nibble.

So, if you know anyone who is interested in 2 or 4 tickets, 7 rows up in the upper bowl, we paid $80 a ticket for them.
Let me know. Like pronto. Like yesterday. Like, man oh man- I've ALWAYS wanted to see Celine Dion. Oh well.....

Salt Lake Temple

Yesterday J. picked me up and we ended up going to the Salt Lake Temple instead of the Timpanogas like we had planned. I haven't been there for a session for years and years. Conversation with J. is always amazing. I learn so much for her and count her as a tender mercy in my life. The Salt Lake Temple is so incredibly over-the-top beautiful and it was wonderful to be there. You can't be in that beautiful place and not think about the sacrifices the pioneers made to build that holy sanctuary from the world. Forty years of sacrifice. I'm beholden....

David and I get to go one last time and host in a sealing (marriage) room in the new Draper Temple on Monday. Although I am sad that we will be done with our hosting opportunities, I am anxious for the temple to be dedicated so we can start attending "our" temple. I love it already.

One of the reasons why I love to go to the temple is to receive personal instruction by the Spirit. This doesn't happen every time I go....only those times when I prepared myself to receive and earnestly seek to find God's direction in my life. I love these quotes by Sheri Dew:

It is vital that we learn to hear the voice of the Lord. Yet I worry that too often we fail to seek the guidance of the Spirit. Perhaps we don’t know how and haven’t made it a priority to learn. Or we’re so aware of our personal failings that we don’t feel worthy, don’t really believe the Lord will talk to us, and therefore don’t seek revelation. Or we’ve allowed the distractions and pace of our lives to crowd out the Spirit. What a tragedy! For the Holy Ghost blesses us with optimism and wisdom at times of challenge that we simply cannot muster on our own. No wonder that one of the adversary’s favorite tactics among righteous women is busyness—getting us so preoccupied with the flurry of daily life that we fail to immerse ourselves in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sisters, we can’t afford not to seek the things of the Spirit! There is too much at stake. Too many people are depending on us as mothers, as sisters, leaders, and friends. A woman led by the Lord knows where to turn for answers and for peace. She can make difficult decisions and face problems with confidence because she takes her counsel from the Spirit, and from her leaders who are also guided by the Spirit.

Our ability to hear spiritually is linked to our willingness to work at it. President Hinckley has often said that the only way he knows to get anything done is to get on his knees and plead for help and then get on his feet and go to work. That combination of faith and hard work is the consummate curriculum for learning the language of the Spirit. The Savior taught, “Blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." Hungering and thirsting translate to sheer spiritual labor. Worshiping in the temple, repenting to become increasingly pure, forgiving and seeking forgiveness, and earnest fasting and prayer all increase our receptivity to the Spirit. Spiritual work works and is the key to learning to hear the voice of the Lord.

California Pizza Kitchen's Thai Crunch Salad

Today, after J. and I went to the temple (Salt Lake Temple....more about that tomorrow) we hit California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. I needed an Avocado Club Egg Roll fix (which I posted the recipe for recently.) We also both ordered the Thai Crunch Salad. Do you know how when you love something so much....and then share it....and you're not sure if they "get it" or not? Well, J. GOT it! Now she'll obsess over the ACER's too (I'm totally into acronyms...is that what they are? Sophia is always acronyming me...like she would IM "BRB" like I was suppose to know what that meant. So I would IM her back and say, "Bruised Rutabagas Burst?" I know, it doesn't make sense but that's what I do best. Or she'd go "LOLAC." I thought I understood the laugh out loud..but OC? Laugh out loud obsessively compulsively? Laugh out loud only choking? LOLAC? and then she'd text snort on the next line.

Snort? Oh! I get it! Laugh out loud after cocaine? Don't think so. It was "laugh out loud and cackling." Of course. I can't believe I didn't figure that out immediately. ) I'm not sure where this post is going....you know how easily I get off track. It is late and David's out of town (again!) and I've eaten too many pink and red M & M's (sugar!) while making Valentine's and the tired plus sugar deadly combination makes me goofy. What I REALLY wanted to share tonight was the recipe for California Pizza Kitchen's Thai Crunch Salad. In case you don't live near a C.P.K. (cruising past Kansas)

Thai Crunch Salad
1 head Napa cabbage, cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 small head red cabbage, cored and chopped
2 large carrots, peeled and julienned
2 bunches scallions, thinly sliced (white and pale green parts only)
1 large English (hothouse) cucumber, peeled, cored and julienned
1 large bunch cilantro, chopped
2 cups cooked, shelled edamame
2 cups roasted peanuts
4 grilled skinless chicken breasts

1 cup Lime-Cilantro Dressing (recipe follows)
4 cups fried wonton strips
2 cups crisp rice sticks
1/2 cup Thai Peanut Dressing (recipe follows)
2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch dice (optional)


LIME-CILANTRO DRESSING:
1/4 small red bell pepper, cored and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small bunch cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice
1 1/2 teaspoons light corn syrup
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil


THAI PEANUT DRESSING:
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Scant 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon canola oil


Place cabbages, carrots, scallions, cucumber, cilantro, edamame and peanuts in very large mixing bowl and toss to mix.

Cut chicken into 1/2-inch cubes and add to mixing bowl.

Pour Lime-Cilantro Dressing into bowl and toss to mix thoroughly. Gently toss in fried wonton strips. Divide salad among 4 very large, chilled serving plates.

Sprinkle crisp rice sticks over the top of each salad, then use a squeeze bottle or syrup dispenser to drizzle Thai Peanut Dressing over rice sticks.

If serving salads with avocado, distribute over salads. Serve immediately.

For Lime-Cilantro Dressing: 
Place bell pepper and cilantro leaves in work bowl of food processor, then add honey, vinegar, lime juice, corn syrup, mustard, sesame oil, ginger, salt and pepper. Process until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds. With food processor on, add oil in thin stream and continue processing for 1 minute after all oil has been added; there should be no oil on surface. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 1 week (whisk before using). 

For Thai Peanut Dressing: 
Whisk together peanut butter, vinegar, honey, water and soy sauce. Stir in sugar, salt, cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. Add oil and continue whisking until smooth. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and whisk before using.

Valentine Eye Candy

This morning I am headed to the temple with friend, J. It's my Valentine to the Lord and truly his to me. It is snowing outside so we will feel like we are in a snow globe for sure. What a beautiful day. Last night I stayed up late making a Valentine for YOU! I can't wait to post it on Saturday...you will TRULY think, "This woman is BIZARRE!" Well, you'd be right! Are you making your Valentines yet?



I never knew how to worship until I knew how to love. Henry Ward Beecher

There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread. Mother Teresa 

Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle. Amy Bloom

Love is a choice you make from moment to moment.

What's Your Valentine

Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit. Peter Ustinov

Yesterday was over-the-top wonderful. Lynda Raddon called to tell me book club/lunch was at her house and she wanted to invite me. I have never done the book club (because there are only so many activities/luncheons one body can do in a month) but because Lynda called and invited, I really wanted to be there. During lunch it was awesome to visit with the 9 ladies there. Ladies I adore. The dessert was so yummy, I had to run to the store to make it for GNO last night. I don't really know if it had a name but it really was a keeper.

Pina Colada Cake
Make one white cake as per instructions on the mix. Bake as directed. Take the cake out of the oven and pierce holes all over the cake (9 x 13 pan)with the end of a wooden spoon. Open a can of Cream of Coconut (found in the drink section in a can...by the pina colada and daiquiri mixes) and stir it until smooth, then drizzle it over the cake holes. Refrigerate. Serve chilled with fresh whipped cream and sliced strawberries. It is good with toasted coconut on top as well or any berries. It is beautiful and refreshing. A big hit last night.


GNO was over the top fun. The menu kept changing through the day and finally worked out great. All the girlie friends laughed through the Valentine's quiz....we all thought since we've been friends for 25 plus years...that we would know everything there is to know about each other. We were wrong! BF Cathy won the prize. Her husband (Kirk!) was the one that suggested they take someone else on their honeymoon! Crazy!
At 9 o'clock we had to turn on Dateline to see the interview with the lady that just had the octuplets (with six kids at home.) Does that story just blow your socks off? Then we talked and talked until almost midnight. No one wanted to go home. That's a sign of a good party. My heart was full with gratitude for all the incredible women I get to associate with in my life. I learn so much from all of them.

So, Valentine's is getting closer. Can you tell I love this holiday? When I was little, Valentine's Day WAS my favorite day. I especially loved making my "box" to hold my Valentine's. I want to know what everyone is going to do. I hope everyone gets into the "heart" of Valentines and spreads a little love. I want to hear what you are doing? Do you have a special evening planned? Friend Sophia suggests going out to dinner the night BEFORE Valentine's so you are not fighting the crowds. David is actually going to be out of town the night before so that won't work for us this year. We haven't really made plans for Sat. But I don't want to miss out on anything. Are you making heart pancakes for your kiddos? Heart marshmallows for everyone's hot chocolate? Rice Krispie hearts? Heart-shaped hamburgers or pizza? What's your traditions? Here's one more great idea you could do.



Peanut Butter Cookie Hearts
1/2 cup(s) sugar
1/2 cup(s) (packed) brown sugar
1/2 cup(s) (1 stick) unsalted butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup(s) (creamy) peanut butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon(s) (pure) vanilla extract
1 1/3 cup(s) flour
3/4 teaspoon(s) baking soda
36 (heart-shaped) chocolate candies, unwrapped (Dove comes to mind)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375ºF.
2. In large bowl with electric mixer, beat sugar, brown sugar, butter and peanut butter until combined. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Beat in flour and baking soda.
3. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons into ungreased mini-muffin cups. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Remove from oven; gently press a chocolate heart into each cup. Cool in pans on wire racks for at least 10 minutes. Remove cookies from muffin cups with a butter knife. Serve warm or cool completely on wire racks.

Valentine's Girl's Night Out!

Tonight I am hosting....I'm so excited. As much as I love cooking, I'm ordering in tonight. I just want to be relaxed and enjoy the evening with friends. I'm thinking I'll order a pasta dish from Smoky Mountain, Porcupine Grill salad, Baci rolls, Brie bites (I'll make those) and make heart brownies.

After dinner and lots of laughing, I have planned a little Valentine's quiz for us to take. I sent questionnaires to everyone and then made the quiz from their answers. I threw in a few Valentine's trivia questions just for fun. I think the answers are funny even if you don't know the people.

What did she think when she first laid eyes on him?

1. He’s a big kid.
2. Hubba hubba- go for it girl!
3. He had gorgeous eyes and that he was way funny–quirky funny.
4. What a cute and hot guy.
5. I thought he was cute...that’s why I asked to be lined up with him
6. He’s a dumb jock.
7. He’s okay. He seems nice.
8. I’m going to marry this man.

In the middle ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their Valentine’s would be. They would wear the name on their sleeve, hence the saying "Wearing your heart on your sleeve." True or False?

What was something funny you did on a date?

1. Went trick or treating
2. On our second date, we went to the BYU rodeo but he didn’t realize it cost money. He didn’t have any with him so we went to play tennis and after the first serve, the lights went out. So then we went to BYU and rented one piece blue gym uniforms...and played basketball against two of the BYU players who were there just shooting hoops for fun. I should have known.
3. We went tubing behind cars on some snow-packed roads. Two of the guys ended up in a canal. They froze their tails off.
4. I don’t remember too many of our dates.
5. We would go up into the canyon with tons of other couples, build a big fire, tell ridiculous stories. We dated for quite awhile and the other roommates had a different girl every night...so I got pretty good at "the stories."
6. Burned a kitchen down. Then we sat on the front porch and ate the enchiladas’s that were in the oven.

Put these Tom Hanks romantic movies in order from earliest release to latest release.

You’ve Got Mail

Sleepless In Seattle
Splash
Joe Versus the Volcano
Forrest Gump

What is a funny quirk your hubby has?

1. He likes to trick himself at night when he is sleeping. He traces his eyebrow or nose with his finger, then disturbed, brushes off his face, shaking his head, but never wakes up!

2. He has to have everything white glove clean.
3. He kind of jerks his head when he’s speaking in church.
4. He sings "Turkey in the Straw" silently to himself as he brushes his teeth. I can time him to the second without him knowing I know when he will finish.
5. He puts ice in a glass of milk, then shakes it up, to get it good and cold before he pours the milk over his cereal.
6. When he eats a bite of sandwich, one eyebrow goes up when he takes a bite. Also, he is obsessed with expiration dates. He will take out a container of milk and check the date before drinking it. He won’t even consider drinking it if it is within a few days before...never day of or after.
7. He drinks apple cider right out of the bottle.
8. He saves everything in case he needs it...and spends hours fixing something that could be repaired in minutes!

How many Valentine's cards are sent each year?

1. 1 million
2. 2 million
3. Over 1 billion

What is the most romantic thing he has ever said to you?

1. Once he left me a double pack of mounds candy bars with a note that said, ‘I love your mounds."

2. Here, let me change that poopie diaper.
3. That I was the only girl he ever loved.

Where did he propose?

1. Bonneville Golf Course
2. By the Brigham Young statue on campus
3.His brother proposed to me since he was out of town.
4. The first time at Lake Powell. The second time at my bedside when I was sick.
5. He took me up on the mountain and made me hike around. He was a nervous wreck. I was disappointed because I thought we were going to look at rings that day.
6. Over my typewriter at work.
7. At my apartment.
8. He proposed in our downstairs family room. He had a brand new handerkerchief, which he pointed out to me...so I pulled it out to play like I was blowing my nose on it..and tied to one corner was a ring..

What was a popular movie when you got married?
1. Jaws. I remember because we were going to Lake Powell and I was a bit worried about a big fish eating me.

2. The Sting
3. Love Story with Ryan O’Neal and what’s her face with the long black hair.
4. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Rocky
5. Love Story- at the end, when everyone was crying, and the girl is dying...Ali McGraw says, "Love means never having to say you’re sorry"....to which my husband replied loudly, "Now THAT’S the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard!"

6. Walking Tall

Bonus: Fill in the blank with who said this.
Our first fight was three weeks after we were married and I was mad at him because he would never fight!

We were so poor our first Christmas, he cut down a lilac bush and we spray painted it white. It was my favorite tree.

He left the apartment earlier than me. Oftentimes I would be in the shower...and a hand would reach in and grab me. I’m sure the whole world heard me scream. First because I was frightened out of my mind. Secondly because I was so dang MAD at him. He thought it was hysterical!

He thought it would be fun if we had someone with us on our honeymoon (are you kidding me???!!!)

He came home later (1:30 am) and never called to let me know he would be late. Then he asked me to fix dinner. I threw a pound of hamburger at him. It hit the wall and left a bloody trail as it slid down the wall. I went to bed.